Meredith

“great lord”

Welsh origin · Unisex name

♂ 5% boys♀ 95% girls

#509US 2023

595Births / yr

↑Rising

79.1kAll-time births

📅 Since 189500.12% of births at peak

How to pronounce Meredith

MER·id·ith

/ˈmɛr.ɪd.ɪθ/ · stress on MER · 3 syllables

“great lord”

Welsh origin · Unisex name

What does Meredith mean and where does it come from?

Meredith is of Welsh origin, derived from 'Maredudd', which translates to 'great lord' or 'guardian'. It was originally a male name but has transitioned into common use for females, especially in modern times. First recorded use as a female name dates back to the 19th century. It has gained populari

Cultural significance

Meredith has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Welsh-speaking communities, where it reflects values of welsh.

Peak popularity

Reached #140 in 1980 — currently #509 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Meredith?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

What middle names flow best with Meredith?

Meredith works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Meredith Grace

How popular is Meredith right now?

Rising — up 40 spots — currently #509 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#509 · Top 0.38%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#509	595	▲ up 40 · +7% births
2022	#549	557	▲ up 21 · +5% births
2021	#570	533	▲ up 14 · +7% births
2020	#584	496	▲ up 6 · -3% births
2015	#590	509	▲ up 13 · +5% births
2010	#603	486	▼ down 236 · -43% births
2005	#367	852	▼ down 75 · -22% births
2000	#292	1,092	▼ down 66 · -12% births
1995	#226	1,244	▼ down 36 · -20% births
1990	#190	1,555	▼ down 41 · -21% births
1985	#149	1,959	▼ down 9 · -5% births
1980	#140	2,072	▲ up 41 · +45% births
1975	#181	1,428	▲ up 53 · +6% births
1970	#234	1,353	▲ up 276 · +292% births
1965	#510	345	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Meredith

Best Year1980Rank #140

Peak Count2,072

Average Rank#581

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Meredith

Meredith has been a beloved American name for over 129 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1895. A total of 79,062 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1479 in 1895 to #509 in 2023. Meredith is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.

Names that peaked alongside Meredith in 1980:

Jennifer Amanda Jessica Melissa Sarah

Meredith by decade

Meredith peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	34
1900s	181
1910s	1,023
1920s	1,719
1930s	1,913
1940s	3,689
1950s	3,397
1960s	4,234
1970s	16,098
1980s ★	19,389
1990s	12,839
2000s	8,902
2010s	5,143
2020s	496

What are good nicknames for Meredith?

Common

MerMerieMeryEdith

What names sound and feel like Meredith?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Meredith also consider these

Merredith

Welsh · Great and mighty

Meradith

English · English

Meridith

American · great ruler

Maredith

English · Great ruler; blessed

Benedith

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Maradith

American · a form of

Maridith

American · a blend of

Lekeith

American · one who is

How is Meredith written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Meredith

What does the name Meredith mean?

Meredith means "Welsh" — a name rooted in Welsh tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Meredith?

Meredith is currently ranked #509 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Meredith have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Meredith?

Meredith originates from Welsh tradition. Welsh names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Meredith?

Meredith is a three-syllable name pronounced M EH1 R IH0 D IH0 TH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Meredith?

Meredith pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Welsh heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.